NCW compliments UPA, blames states for plight of women

National Commission for Women complimented the UPA government at the Centre for initiating various steps to bridge the gender divide but blamed the states for poor implementation of laws and schemes meant for welfare of women.

National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday complimented the UPA government at the Centre for initiating various steps to bridge the gender divide but blamed the states for poor implementation of laws and schemes meant for welfare of women.

NCW chairperson Girija Vyas said although the UPA has taken several remarkable initiatives like passing the Domestic Violence Act and increasing budgetary allocation for women welfare schemes, its implementation was a matter of concern.

“I am not satisfied with the performance of the state governments in implementation of the laws made for women’s right and schemes intended for their welfare,” Vyas said addressing a conference on gender issues organised by the CII.

Advocating exemplary punishment for rape convicts, Vyas said the victims should be properly rehabilitated.

“Incidents of rape and molestation have been increasing in the country which is a matter of serious concern,” Vyas said.

The NCW chairperson also said UPA Government’s decision on gender budgeting was a positive step for ensuring gender equality.

“Now we must ensure that the Ministries spend 30 to 40 cent of the total budgetary allocation on women welfare schemes and here the NGOs and civil society groups could play a crucial role,” she added.